HEART WORN OUT & AGAINST THE WALL, 6min., Romania
Directed by Izabella Sandra Alda, Ovidiu Claudiu Moldovan
This short “Heart Worn Out & Against The Wall” is a short movie about loneliness and fear. Fear of losing a loved one, of being superficial, of being unlovable. About the struggles of filling a void that can never be filled and mannerisms used to cope with these feelings. About wanting affection but not being able to deal with human interactions. About feeling disconnected, but never allowing this to be seen, and thus, constantly having to deal with the inauthenticity.

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Get to know director/singer Izabella Sandra Alda:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Ren's music video for "Hi Ren" ahaha. When I saw his video, it really gave me the confidence to make a similar music video, as I already had a piano version of "Against The Wall" and the "Heart Worn Out" spoken word poetry. It was meant to be something really simple, a one-shot type of video filmed from different angles, but while working on the script, it naturally shifted into what it is now.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

What took the most was making a studio version of the song, so a couple of months for this, then a few weeks for finalizing the script, and at least another month for location scouting, costumes, and gathering all the props. So, all in all, I'd say it's safe to round it up to around half a year.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

RAW and THEATRICAL.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Finding a spiraled staircase and a round bathtub that wasn't made for jacuzzi. Originally, the bathtub scene was meant to be filmed with water in it. We found a bathroom based on our needs, but a few days before the filming day, we found out that we could not use it with water. So, we had to start looking for alternatives. Since we didn't find a good alternative, we adapted the script to the new conditions we had, and honestly, I fancied this version more than the original one with water.
Sometimes, scarce resources can lead to the best ideas.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I got so emotional, to be honest, and I eventually started crying. The reactions felt so appreciative but also honest. Things like these make you feel that all the effort was not in vain.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

When I was a teenager, my dream was to become a movie actress. I studied theater/acting at University, but after graduating, I returned to my initial passion, music. I'm currently an independent musician (actually the first artist in Romania, my country, who composes and sings in Japanese), and I co-write and co-direct all my music videos. Although I prefer being on the screen rather than behind it, writing and directing my music videos allows me to do both.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

"I'm Not There", directed by Todd Haynes, and an anime movie called "Kimi no na wa" (tr: Your Name), directed by Makoto Shinkai.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

It would be nice for the participants to be able to attend the festivals in person. Apart from this, some financial compensation would be appreciated, as many filmmakers probably work independently with limited funds.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How have your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

I'm submitting my second project via FilmFreeway, and I find it easy to search for and apply to the appropriate festivals. The platform makes the work of the artists so much easier.

10. What is your favorite meal?

With the risk of sounding basic, I'll say French fries, haha. And anything Japanese, as long as it's vegan.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I am currently in the studio, working on my next original song in Japanese, for which we will definitely make a video/short movie once it's done.